The birdshot took effect in the burglar’s face and neck, and with a cry of surprise and dismay he lost his grip and dropped to the ground, upsetting the ladder in his fall.
At the sound of the discharge Albert awoke, as did also Jacob Winter in the room below.
“What’s up, Ben?” cried Albert in excitement, jumping out of bed.
“I am,” answered Ben coolly, “and now you appear to be.”
“I mean what has happened?”
“I’ve shot a burglar.”
Albert rushed to the window and looked down. So did Jacob Winter, who was frightened almost out of his wits.
In a tremor of curiosity and alarm he thrust his head out of the window, and asked, “Who’s there?”
It was an unfortunate movement for him. The burglar had risen from the ground, mad through and through, and eager for revenge.
He intended first to wreak his vengeance upon Ben, but seeing Mr. Winter’s protruding head, changed his mind. He picked up a stone and fired with only too accurate aim.